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Projected Lineups – LA Kings at Anaheim Ducks; Finishing Up the Regular Season in OC

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Game 82 has finally arrived, with the Kings set to take on the Ducks for their last contest of the 2022-23 regular season. It’s been quite a season of resiliency for LA, as they have battled injuries to key contributors up and down the lineup all season and made several roster changes via call-ups and key trades. Additionally, LA tied the franchise record for most wins at home (26, last accomplished in 2015-16), became an offensive juggernaut with scoring power spread across all four lines, and had a power play that sat in the top five of the NHL pretty much all year.

Just over a week ago, the Kings clinched a playoff berth for the second straight year. From the outside looking in, it may seem like a meaningless two points available tonight at the Honda Center. Yet, that could not be further from the truth when it comes to what’s next for the Kings; they would likely love these two points. Still not knowing who they will draw for round one, LA can control their own destiny by grabbing at least one point tonight. A regulation loss in this game, combined with a Seattle win tonight, would allow the Kraken to take over third place in the Pacific Division.

As discussed on this week’s Kings Of The Podcast episode, goaltending is still a question mark for the team as they head for the playoffs. Coach Todd McLellan has made no indication on who his Game 83 starter will be in net. At this point, it’s likely a final decision won’t be known until the day before postseason action begins. It is interesting, though, that McLellan is opting to go with Joonas Korpisalo for tonight’s game. It gives him back-to-back starts for the second straight week and would at least suggest he’s pulling ahead of Pheonix Copley. In reality, both goalies have done an outstanding job down the stretch and they’re each quality candidates to lead the Kings on a playoff run. Playoff experience, which is so important in hockey, probably tips the scale towards Korpisalo. Then again, Copley has done nothing but win games for LA, pushing his record to 24-6-3. It’s an interesting debate, to say the least.

Gaining momentum will once again be the focus for the Kings tonight. Two straight wins going into the playoffs would be a nice feeling for a team that is getting healthy and gaining confidence at the perfect time. It doesn’t appear like Kevin Fiala or Gabe Vilardi will be available to play tonight. The former was close a few days ago, so perhaps McLellan has a surprise up his sleeve.

LA Kings Projected Lineup vs. Anaheim Ducks

Byfield – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore – Danault – Arvidsson
Iafallo – Lizotte – Kaliyev
JAD / MacEwen – Kupari – Grundstrom

Anderson – Doughty
Gavrikov – Roy
Durzi – Walker

Korpisalo
Copley

Likely scratches: Edler (upper body), Fiala (lower body), Laferriere, Vilardi + one of JAD / MacEwen

Key Game Info

Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm PST and will be televised by Bally Sports.

Across the Ice

In their last game, the Ducks were defeated by the Vancouver Canucks by a score of 3-2 on Tuesday night. It was their 12th straight loss.

Here’s how Anaheim lined up at practice yesterday:

On This Day in Kings History

RELATED CONTENT:

NHL RADIO REPLAY: Mayor’s Minutes – Hoven on Fiala, Clarke, and Potential Kings Playoff Matchups

Checking in with Cal: Petersen’s Thoughts on Playoffs, Positioning, and Preparation

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